LONDON, 6 MAY 2016 – The Honourable Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure of Sri Lanka has welcomed the vision outlined in the Strategic Plan for 2016 – 2020 of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO).

The Honourable Fernando was accompanied by Muhunthan Canagey, Managing Director of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka.

From the left: The Honourable Harin Fernando, Secretary-General Shola Taylor, and Muhunthan Canagey, 6 May 2016, London

“I am pleased to note that the goals of the CTO have been designed to ensure that members receive enhanced value,” Honourable Fernando said, “and I believe that Sri Lanka will benefit significantly as we strive to leverage ICTs to develop our economy and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals for our citizens.”

The Honourable Fernando made his remarks during a visit to the CTO Secretariat in London where he met with Secretary-General Shola Taylor and the staff. During his visit, the minister was given a presentation on the Member Action Plan for Sri Lanka.

“I was delighted to receive the Honourable Fernando during his visit to London,” said Mr Taylor. “I was pleased to outline the work we are doing on cybersecurity, regulation, broadband, ICT applications and Commonwealth coordination and how this will benefit Sri Lanka, a country that has been one of our strongest members.”

The two officials also discussed the forthcoming Commonwealth ICT Ministers Forum taking place in June in London, as well as the Commonwealth ICT and Industry Awards through which Sri Lankan initiatives and its impressive ICT sector could gain international recognition.

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is the oldest and largest Commonwealth intergovernmental organisation in the field of information and communication technologies. Although our history can be traced back to 1901 with the establishment of the Pacific Cable Board, the organisation has only existed in its present form as an intergovernmental treaty organisation since 1967. With a diverse membership spanning developed and least developed countries, small island developing states, and more recently also the private sector and civil society, the CTO aims to become a trusted partner for sustainable development for all through ICTs. More information about us here